Beed: A Muslim cleric has stirred controversy after a video surfaced showing him issuing abusive remarks and an open threat to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during an “I Love Mohammad” program in Maharashtra’s Beed. Identified as Ashfaq Nisar Shaikh, the Maulana is seen in the video challenging CM Yogi to visit Mustafa Masjid in Majalgaon, claiming he would be “buried” there.
The video, although recorded earlier, recently went viral on social media, prompting swift police intervention. Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway and strict action has been ordered. The authenticity of the footage is also being verified.
The issue coincides with rising tensions in Uttar Pradesh. In Bareilly, unrest broke out after Friday prayers linked to the same campaign. Police resorted to cane charge to disperse the crowd, and multiple companies of the Rapid Action Force and Reserve Force have been deployed to maintain order.
The “I Love Mohammad” campaign began in Kanpur during Barawafat, which marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad. Young Muslims displayed posters and banners with the slogan as a show of devotion. However, the campaign has faced opposition from Hindu groups who denounced it as provocative. This led to FIRs, removal of banners, and clashes in several cities including Lucknow, Bareilly, Nagpur, Kashipur, and Hyderabad.
Muslim organisations argue the crackdown undermines their constitutional rights and religious freedom. With law enforcement stepping in across states, the campaign continues to face both devotion and dispute.
